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Dental caries prevention — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardPediatrics (well-child, chronic management)Dental caries preventionUSMLE Step 3

A 4-year-old drinks well water, and the family does not know its fluoride concentration. The child has no caries. Which preventive step is best?

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Correct answer: C — Measure water fluoride and prescribe oral fluoride after confirming low concentration

For children older than six months whose primary water source is fluoride deficient, oral fluoride supplementation is recommended. The water concentration should be established rather than waiting for disease.

Reference: USPSTF, Prevention of Dental Caries in Children: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prevention-of-dental-caries-in-children-younger-than-age-5-years-screening-and-interventions1